Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the United States. In 2018, Morten et al. reported that there were approximately 3.48 million individuals between the ages of 13 and 25 years old who were homeless nationwide (Morten et al., 2018). Homelessness is especially problematic among those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). In fact, previous research has found that 8–37 percent of LGBTQ+ youths and 5–30 percent of LGBTQ+ adults are homeless in the US (Ecker, 2016; Ecker et al., 2019). In general, LGBTQ+ individuals are four to 13 times more likely to be homeless than their heterosexual counterparts (Corliss et al., 2011).

There are a number of reasons why LGBTQ+ individuals become homeless, which can include parental rejection of their sexual orientation or gender identity (Cochran et al., 2002; Whitbeck et al., 2004; Rew et al., 2005; Corliss et al., 2011; Choi et al., 2015; Forge et al., 2018; Rhoades et al., 2018; Côté& Blais, 2019), negative relationships with family members (Cochran et al., 2002; Ryan et al., 2009; Choi et al., 2015; Ecker, 2016; Schmitz& Tyler, 2018), and various types of abuse at home (Cochran et al., 2002; Ryan et al., 2009; Rosario et al., 2012b; Rhoades et al., 2018; Ecker et al., 2019). LGBTQ+ individuals who disclose their sexual orientation and/or gender identity may face backlash from their family, peers, and society (Cochran et al., 2002; Whitbeck et al., 2004; Rosario et al., 2012a, 2012b; Rhoades et al., 2018). For example, familial rejection can stem from the parent's inability to understand or accept their child's sexual orientation/gender identity (Whitbeck et al., 2004; MottetOhle, 2006). At times, family members not only reject their child's sexual orientation/gender identity but also lash out through verbal and physical victimization (Cochran et al., 2002; Whitbeck et al., 2004; Rosario et al., 2012a, 2012b; Irvine& Canfield, 2016; Forge et al., 2018; Rhoades et al., 2018), which forces many LGBTQ to voluntarily leave their home to avoid conflict and abuse (Cochran et al., 2002; Whitbeck et al., 2004; Rosario et al., 2012a, 2012b; Rhoades et al., 2018).